To: Representative Katie Porter
From: Joshua Chambers, UC Irvine
Date: February 27th, 2023
Re: Findings from Tom Tyler's (2017) study on legitimacy’s role in improving public safety Background
As a concerned citizen of our community, I am writing to draw your attention to the urgent need to prioritize police legitimacy to promote public safety. While there are many factors that contribute to crime, one that is often overlooked is the role of police legitimacy. A favorable public perception of the law promotes public safety.
Overview
Tom Tyler's study “Procedural Justice and Policing: A Rush to Judgment?” highlights the importance of police legitimacy in promoting public safety. According to Tyler, police legitimacy refers to the public's perception
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By using previously scrutinized data, his conclusions can be made easier by connecting proven data rather than using unproven data to make a point. He examines various factors that influence police legitimacy, including perceptions of procedural justice, trust in the police, and experiences of discrimination or bias. The impact of social and economic conditions on policing, such as poverty, unemployment, and racial inequality are also taken into account. By analyzing these factors, Tyler identifies several key strategies for improving police legitimacy and promoting public …show more content…
He finds that when the police are viewed as legitimate, members of the public are more likely to comply with the law and cooperate with the police in solving crimes. He points out that “studies also support the argument that single experiences can have an impact on attitudes or behaviors [with police] (Tyler 36).
He also highlights the impact of social and economic conditions on policing, such as poverty, unemployment, and racial inequality. He argues that these factors can contribute to
negative perceptions of the police and undermine trust in law enforcement. Tyler emphasizes the need to address these underlying social and economic conditions as part of a broader strategy to promote police legitimacy and public safety.
He finds that there is strong evidence to support the idea that police legitimacy is a crucial factor in promoting public safety. Studies have shown that when the police are viewed as legitimate, crime rates tend to be lower, victimization rates tend to be lower, and community cooperation with law enforcement tends to be higher.